Principal Vision Systems Engineer

Brooks is a leading provider of automation solutions with over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, offering precision robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination control solutions that empower chip manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes a range of automation solutions, including robots, vacuum systems, and atmospheric robots for semiconductor manufacturing (www.brooks.com).  

Are you looking for a place where you can be part of a transformation? Join us at Brooks Automation and be a part of a dynamic organization that is shaping the future of technology.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Principal Vision Systems Engineer to lead the development of a next-generation ultra-high-speed, ultra-low-latency vision-based position feedback system for precision control of magnetically levitated rigid bodies.

This role will serve as the technical owner of the vision system, overseeing the co-development of a custom smart camera and FPGA-based image processing platform and delivering real-time 6DOF pose estimation with deterministic latency performance (<100 µs) and high update rates (>2 kHz).

The successful candidate will work across computer vision, embedded systems, FPGA architecture, and control system integration to enable closed-loop control performance beyond current commercial solutions.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Own the end-to-end vision system architecture:
  • Image acquisition
  • FPGA-based processing
  • Target extraction
  • 6DOF pose estimation
  • Controller interface and synchronization
• Define HW/SW/FPGA partitioning aligned with performance goals
• Lead design trade-offs (resolution vs speed vs latency vs field of view)

Algorithm Development (Real-Time / FPGA-Oriented)

• Develop algorithms for:
  • Sub-pixel target extraction
  • Multi-body tracking
  • Real-time 6DOF pose estimation
• Translate prototype algorithms (MATLAB/Python) into FPGA-compatible implementations
• Optimize for deterministic latency and minimal jitter

FPGA Co-Development Oversight

• Collaborate with external partner on:
  • Smart camera development
  • FPGA processing pipelines
• Guide FPGA implementation strategy and architecture
• Participate in design reviews and risk mitigation

Controller Integration & Closed-Loop Performance

• Define low-latency interfaces between vision system and controller
• Ensure deterministic timing and synchronization
• Validate performance in closed-loop control applications

Performance Validation & Testing

• Define validation plans for:
  • Latency and jitter
  • Spatial accuracy
  • Multi-target tracking robustness
• Benchmark against existing systems

Sensor & Optical System Specification

• Lead evaluation of:
  • High-speed CMOS sensors
  • Precision optical systems
• Support system-level trade studies

Program Leadership

• Serve as technical interface to external development partner
• Drive architecture definition and technical milestones
• Lead cross-functional collaboration (controls, hardware, software)

3. Basic Qualifications (Required)

• MS or PhD in Computer Vision, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in:
  • Vision systems
  • Real-time or embedded systems
• Proven experience delivering low-latency vision or sensor-based systems

Technical Skills

• 3D pose estimation (PnP, multi-camera systems)
• Sub-pixel feature extraction and tracking
• Camera calibration (intrinsic/extrinsic)
• Real-time system design and latency optimization
• Programming: C/C++, Python, MATLAB

Embedded / FPGA Knowledge

• Understanding of FPGA-based image processing pipelines
• Fixed-point arithmetic and hardware constraints
• Experience collaborating with FPGA teams

4. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in:
  • Semiconductor or precision automation systems
  • Metrology-grade measurement systems
  • Closed-loop motion control
• Familiarity with:
  • Industrial vision standards (GigE Vision, GenICam)
  • Deterministic communication interfaces (SPI, BiSS, FPGA-based links)

5. Key Performance Objectives

• Deliver system architecture supporting:
  • >2 kHz update rate
  • <100 µs latency
• Complete FPGA-based proof-of-concept with external partner
• Demonstrate stable low-jitter performance in closed-loop control
• Enable integration into levitated rigid body system

6. Competencies

• Systems-level thinking and architecture ownership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Technical communication with internal and external teams
• Ability to execute in high-uncertainty development environments

Compensation

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits

At Brooks, we offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Plan

• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.

Have a question about our benefits and compensation package? Your recruiter can share more with you during the hiring process.

Work Location & Flexibility
At Brooks, we aim to foster a collaborative and engaging environment while offering flexibility where possible. Work arrangements may include a mix of in-office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.

Brooks is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and proudly serves as an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Diversity enhances our innovative capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve our customers and communities effectively. At Brooks Automation, we celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives each individual brings, believing they are essential to our collective success. Join us in building a workplace where every team member is valued and can thrive.

For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations, don't hesitate to get in touch with [email protected] or call +1 (978) 262-2400 to discuss your needs.

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